Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha/8 or better) is frequently viewed as one of the most difficult but well-loved poker games. It is a variation that, even more than normal Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the chief reason why a once invisible variation, has increased in popularity so rapidly.

Omaha hi low begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. 4 cards are dealt to each player. A sequence of betting ensues where players can wager, check, or fold. Three cards are handed out, this is known as the flop. One more round of wagering ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, an additional card is flipped on the turn. a further sequence of betting happens and then the river card is flipped. The gamblers must attempt to make the strongest high and low five card hands based on the board and hole cards.

This is the point where some players often get confused. Unlike Texas Holdem, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha hi lo the player has to use exactly three cards on the board, and exactly two cards from their hand. Not a single card more, not a single card less. Unlike normal Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot might be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."

A high hand is exactly how it sounds. It’s the best hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house, etc. It is the identical notion in almost every poker game.

The low hand is more difficult, but certainly opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes don’t count. A low hand is the weakest hand that can be made, with the lowest being made up of A-2-3-4-5. Considering that straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the smallest value hand possible. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an 8 and lower. The lower hand takes half of the pot, as just like the high hand. When there is no lower hand available, the high hand wins the whole pot.

Although it seems complex initially, following a couple of hands you will be able to pick up on the base subtleties of the game with ease. Seeing as you have players betting for the low and wagering for the high, and since so many cards are in play, Omaha/8 provides an amazing array of wagering possibilities and seeing that you have several individuals battling for the high, as well as several battling for the low hand. If you prefer a game with a plethora of outs and actions, it is worth your time to compete in Omaha High-Low.